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Old Bridge board adopts inclusion resolution endorsing inclusive practices after brief heated exchange
Summary
The board voted to reaffirm a March 2022 inclusion resolution supporting access to general-education settings for students with disabilities; one board member called the measure 'fake news' and voted no, while others framed the vote as an ethical and educational duty.
The Old Bridge Township Board of Education on Feb. 18 voted to reaffirm and approve an inclusion resolution that endorses inclusive practices for students with disabilities and commits the district to opportunities for access to general-education settings.
The resolution—introduced as a reaffirmation of a March 2022 board action—lays out principles such as applying people-first language, maximizing opportunities for participation with same-age peers and including inclusive practices across district programs. The resolution passed on roll call with a single recorded no vote.
During discussion a board member characterized the resolution as “fake news” and said they would vote against it; that comment drew an immediate rebuke from another member who called for an apology to students and staff. A different board member framed the resolution as a nonpolitical educational obligation: “We are in the business of education and all children need to be respected and they need to be honored in a way where they are given the proper education and services,” the member said, and announced their support for the resolution.
Roll call on the resolution recorded the following votes as read aloud by the clerk: Maison (Yes); Slade (Yes); Solakowski (No); Venkatasen (Yes); Dunn (Yes); Francisco (Yes); Giordano (Yes); Jodrey (Yes); Dan Tuno (Yes). The board president declared Resolution No. 3 for board secretary and board business adopted.
Board members said the resolution will be part of district messaging and can be included in applications for character and inclusion recognition; administration and members also discussed how the resolution complements classroom and extracurricular inclusion practices already underway.
